Good Things Come to Those Who Wait

It’s been exactly two months since I promised more information about Edwin FitzHenry’s service in the Civil War. I hope you will agree that good things come to those who wait.

Edwin is currently featured on the Civil War Interactive Recommended Blog, Crossed Sabers. The blog is a great resource for anyone wanting to learn more about the Regular cavalry regiments during the Civil War. I was thrilled to find Edwin’s name listed in the Company B, 6th Cavalry Roster.

After contacting Don, the blog owner, he graciously agreed to do additional research on Edwin’s service. I am very grateful for his efforts!

Don’s report corrects my earlier assumption about the identity of the second man in the Civil War photograph. We now believe it is Francis Riggs Chapman, another solider from Company B. However, I still do not know the fate of Hiram Cunningham as referenced here.

Please visit Crossed Sabers to read the article. If you’re so inclined, leave a comment and tell Don “thank you” from the FitzHenrys.

Ann

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When Family Meets History

Are there any American Civil War buffs out there?

Edwin Sawtell FitzHenry, son of Johnson FitzHenry and grandson of Enoch FitzHenry, was born in 1835. He enlisted in the Union Army as a farrier. During his three years of service, he was said to have been in 17 battles including Gettysburg. Over 50,000 people died at Gettysburg. Edwin survived because he was closer to the rear shoeing horses. He was wounded in the hand.

Edwin Sawtell FitzHenry and 1st Cousin by marriage, Hiram Cunningham

His discharge is as follows:

"To all to whom it may concern. Know ye, that Edwin S. FitzHenry a Garier of Captain August V. Kantos Company (B) Sixth Regiment of Cavalry Volunteers, who was enrolled on the fifth day of August 1861 to serve (3) years is hereby discharged from the Army of the U.S. in consequence of the expiration of enlistment. Said Edwin S. FitzHenry was born in Dublin in the State of Ohio, is (25) years of age, 5 feet 6 1/2 inches high, rudy complexion, gray eyes, light hair, and by occupation, when enrolled, a blacksmith. Given at Light House Point, this fifth day of August 1864. J.W. Spangler, 1st Lieut. 6th U.S. Calvary, Commanding the Regiment. Character good."

Filed for record February 26, 1879, in book A, Soldier's Discharge Record, page 264 in Pontiac, Illinois.

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